MMA happy with budget but fails to address manpower shortage
24 Feb 2023 09:44pm
Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai
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Its president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said MMA was aware that the health minister has been lobbying to finance ministry and Public Service department for an increase in permanent postions.
"More clarity is also needed on the 1,500 positions that have been allocated for MOs, dental officers and pharmacists.
"It needs to be noted that although this year’s budget is higher than last year’s, the pandemic is now well under control, therefore we believe more funds should be available for utilisation," he said in a statement.
It also welcomes Skim Perubatan Madani as a public private collaboration is indeed for way forward to decongesting the system. "We await more details and look forward to the smooth implementation of this programme."
"We also welcome allocations to repair and upgrade public healthcare facilities, however it is hoped there will be transparency in the spending for this purpose and follow up to ensure it is well implemented," he said.
Muruga also hopes there will be a breakdown provided on the allocations for each healthcare facility and a timeline for its projected completion. "These details should be put up on the public domain," he suggested.
The MMA has also applauded the government’s move to channel revenue from excise duty on nicotine liquid and gels for e-cigarette and vaping products, to thehealth ministry and its plans to proper regulate the e-cigarette and vape industry.
